Helpful Tips & Online Tools for Social Distancing

Americans come together in times of crisis. We each need to do our part to keep ourselves and others safe. We can make a difference even though we’re at a distance.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has forced Americans to Social Distance or Shelter in Place. Finding ways to stay 6 feet apart in grocery stores and pharmacies can be challenging. We’ve compiled some stores and businesses that deliver as well as services that stream online to help you keep your social distance.

While you use the list below to help make distancing easier, let’s remember others that may need help. Communities must come together in times of crisis. If we each help one person, we have made a big difference. We can remain safe and at a distance while helping those in need. Americans come together in times of crisis. We each need to do our part to keep ourselves and others safe. We can make a difference in outcomes for ourselves and others even though we’re at a distance.

Donate to charities, churches, food banks, and other organizations working to help your community.

Order take-out or buy a gift card from your favorite store or restaurant.

The elderly may not be tech-savvy. They may not know they can get groceries and prescriptions delivered. Check on them and offer help if you can.

Here are some tips to help you avoid crowds and public places and still get everything you need. This post is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to endorse any particular brand.

GROCERIES:

Many national brands and local stores deliver. On the East Coast, Peapod https://www.peapod.com/ and Prime Now https://primenow.amazon.com/, are popular online portals for grocery delivery. Both apps can be downloaded through the App Store for the iPhone or Google Play for Android. You prepay by credit or debit card. Groceries are left on your porch/doorstep. There does not need to be *direct contact with the delivery person if you prepay.

You may want to enable “ok to substitute” if you don’t have brand preferences. Delivery charges usually apply and some services offer tipping options which can reduce face-to-face contact with the delivery person. Many services allow you to submit product coupons for discounts.

*See CDC guidelines for surface cleaning of all surfaces/products you come in contact with which may include grocery items

Hellofresh.comor www.blueapron.com are two services which deliver pre-measured boxes of easy-to-cook meals with recipe instructions. I don’t use these services but friends have praised both with Hello Fresh as the hands-down favorite.

PHARMACIES:

Online pharmacy ordering and delivery is available and expanded in many areas in the past 30 days. Ask for 90-day supplies of your prescription meds when possible. Many currently offer delivery of your prescription along with non-prescription store items. *See CDC guidelines for surface cleaning of all surfaces/products you come in contact with including pharmacy items. The corona virus lives on various surfaces for extended periods. It may be recommended you sanitize pharmacy products & packaging.

Many restaurants are offering delivery service or curbside pickup. Check with your favorites. Many that did not traditionally offer delivery are now providing delivery or curbside pickup because of the mandatory closures. If your area does not offer many restaurants that deliver, there are options like Uber Eats and DoorDash®. Both are third party delivery services that pick up and deliver restaurant take-out directly to you. The apps can be found on the App Store for iPhone or via Google Play for Androids. Prepay via credit card and include tips in payment when possible to *minimize face-to-face contact. *Use CDC guidelines for sanitizing surfaces of various types of packaging.

Exercise can be a challenge if you are used to going to a gym. Some people live in areas where they can walk, run, or bike outside safely. If you are ‘shelter in place’ with no outdoor activities allowed, it’s more challenging. There are many online downloadable exercise videos. I subscribe to the Yoga Channel. Many are free and some have a fee. Remember, if you don’t already exercise you’ll want to discuss it with your doctor before starting.

And lastly, Amazon is a source for countless products. If you choose the paid version called “Amazon Prime” you get free delivery on many items. You can buy groceries, housewares, personal items, and access to Prime TV. They also offer Audible, an audiobook service for those that prefer to listen to their favorite books. Lead times have been temporarily pushed out but, we’ve found items are arriving much sooner than the committed ship date.

Stay connected with friends and family for free. Use Zoom.com or other online services to video chat with friends and family. Video chats are free for up to 40 minutes per call. Use the ‘gallery’ function to see everyone on the call in one view.